Deck

As John Hickenlooper is sworn in as governor on this brisk January morning, the man standing next to him, Joe Garcia, is preparing for double duty. The incoming lieutenant governor, who previously led Colorado State University-Pueblo and Pikes Peak Community College, has also been tapped by Hick to become the executive director of the state Department of Higher Education, notes EdNews Colorado, which writes that "Garcia's becoming director of DHE would put the Hickenlooper administration directly in the middle of the often-tricky politics of Colorado higher ed."

But, The Denver Post writes, "Capitol observers could recall no other instance of a lieutenant governor serving in a cabinet position, and...the administration is still seeking clarification from Attorney General John Suthers and lawmakers about the nomination." Garcia would earn more money for the additional responsibilities: $68,500 salary as lieutenant governor and a separate salary for his ed duties, bringing him to a total of around $100,000 a year—a savings, says Hickenlooper.

Under Garcia, academic offerings expanded at CSU-Pueblo, football returned, and enrollment jumped, reports the Chieftain. Still, Garcia will be contending with a system that is severely strapped for cash. Other than drastic cuts, one solution for boosting higher-ed funds could lie in a ballot initiative. But it is "too early" to consider that alternative, Garcia says, adding that he wants to hear what ed groups have to say first. Meanwhile, CSU chancellor Joe Blake says the search for Garcia's replacement is well underway, according to the Chieftain.

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Johnson & Wales students, all baking and pastry arts majors, competed in the Gingerbread Takeover from December 6–8. Final judging took place on Thursday in the lobby of the Sheraton Downtown Denver hotel. All photos by Sarah Boyum

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The American Society of Interior Designers' (ASID) Colorado Chapter decorated the Governor's Residence for the holidays. Holiday tours, free and open to the public, will take place December 8-11 and December 15-18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All photos by Sarah Boyum